2020 GMC Canyon Refresh, Changes

The new 2020 GMC Canyon shares much in common with its sibling, the Chevrolet Colorado. However, this mid-size pickup offers a very nice redesigned exterior, style and comfort unique to the GMC brand. Moreover, the Canyon offers three engine options, including the powerful 2.8-liter turbodiesel, and a 3.6-liter V6 powertrain.

Also, this pickup includes more equipment than the Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma and offers more comfort in the cabin, modern materials and infotainment system as well. The Canyon comes in Extended Cab or Crew Cab version, with 5- or 6-foot bed. If you don’t need massive towing capacity or payloads, this midsize pickup can be perfect as just simple work truck or luxurious workhorse, if you choose the Denali trim level.

2020 GMC Canyon Changes

The upcoming 2020 GMC Canyon will get a couple of interesting changes. To begin with, the new infotainment system will get an improved user interface with cloud connectivity. This interface is more user-friendly and very adjustable for each individual customer. Also, the HD rearview camera will replace the vintage analog lens from the previous model. The cabin will get wireless phone charging, and the heated steering wheels are now standard on higher trims.

Moreover, the parking sensor is included as part of the standard package, while the SLE trim will offer a 6-way power driver’s seat and many more features. Safety is improved as well, besides the available driver assists such as forward-collision alert and lane-departure, the new model comes with an electronic chaperone called Teen Driver. This feature allows parents to monitor the driving manners of their kid and also limits on the radio volume and set speed alerts. You think you’re all grown-up now and you can drive freely? Wrong.

Redesign

General Motors Company calls its new vehicle “the only premium-midsize pickup”. Perhaps this is just part of a marketing campaign, but the 2020 GMC Canyon surely look pretty cool and modern. Up front, you’ll find a massive, squared-off, big-rig-style grille that looks very attractive and reminds of that large grille on the GMC Sierra trucks. Furthermore, new LED running lights and projector-beam headlights add to the overall elegant and classy look. Also, the flared fenders give the vehicle a tone of muscularity.

The ends or rear bumper includes the GMS’s special feature, the CornerStep. This will provide an easy way to step up and grasp into the cargo bed. The SLT and Denali models will get unique chrome door handles and mirrors as well. The new Canyon will boost its off-road performances, by increasing the ground clearance. Currently, the midsize-pickup sits at 8.2 inches from the ground. The dimensions will stay the same as on the previous model. The wheelbase of 2020 Canyon will be 128 inches, total length 212 inches and it will be 74 inches wide.

2020 GMC Canyon Interior

The interior of 2020 GMC Canyon is a combination of modern style with the efficiency of the full-size truck. The wide seats are suitable for large fellows, and the majority of the functions are positioned in a big center stack, with knobs that are big enough to operate by gloved hands. The cabin offers ample center-console storage and the new Canyon is capable to accommodate four adults easily. Of course, five passengers is an option, if the rest of the crew squeeze a bit. Furthermore, the upholstery materials include vinyl, cloth and leather.

There’s also available infotainment upgrade, with the large 8-inch touchscreen. Definitely a worthy feature. The system is very simple to operate and user-friendly. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are available and the Canyon adds onboard Wi-Fi as well. The base model comes with a good amount of equipment. The standard package includes a 7-inch touchscreen with a 6-speaker audio system, power windows and a 4-way power driver seat. Moreover, the rearview camera, cargo-box lightning and a locking tailgate are available as well.

Specs and Towing Capacity

The basic version of 2020 GMC Canyon is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, that produces 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. This unit is linked with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The EPA city/highway fuel economy for 2.5-liter powertrain is 20/26 mpg for the 2-wheel drive system, and 19/24 mpg for four-wheel drive. However, most customers will go for a powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine. The V6 makes 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of twist. This powertrain is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the maximum towing capacity is set to 7,000 pounds. The EPA city/highway fuel economy for the V6 engine is 20/26 mpg (2WD) and 19/24 mpg (4WD).

Moreover, if you need a bigger towing capacity, don’t worry. The GMC prepared the third engine option for new Canyon. It’s a 2.8-liter turbodiesel that produces 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The maximum tow rating of this unit is 7,700. However, the turbodiesel price is noticeably higher than the price of the V6 engine. The diesel’s fuel economy is 30 mpg on highway/20 city, for the 2-wheel drive, and 19/28 mpg for four-wheel drive.

Release Date and Price

The 2020 GMC Canyon will be ready for the streets by the end of the following year. However, the company is paying more attention to the SUV class the moment, and we can expect that the sibling vehicle Chevrolet Colorado will come first. As for the price, the base models will have the MSRP starting around $22,000. Still, the price rises with each trim level, so the top-line Denali comes with the price tag of $44,000.

But you have to keep in mind that Denali is mostly about aesthetics, and it has no actually important upgrades. The Canyon will have tough competition, there’s a decent number of quality vehicles in this segment. Surely, the class leader is Toyota Tacoma, with a price range from $25,550 up to $42,660 for the TRD Pro model. Also, a big rival will be Honda Ridgeline, which offers better comfort in the cabin and driving characteristics.